National

Credlin interview not my idea: Abbott

Tony Abbott insists his chief-of-staff went public about her IVF treatment to support other women.Source:
AAP

OPPOSITION Leader Tony Abbott insists his chief-of-staff went public with a story about her struggles with IVF treatment to support other women in a similar situation.

Mr Abbott says the story, in which his chief-of-staff Peta Credlin sung his praises for his support, was not about combating the perception he has a problem with women.

"I am full of admiration for the way she was prepared to come and tell a difficult, personal story as a way of supporting those women who are going through something that is often difficult, painful and frustrating," he told reporters in Brisbane on Tuesday.

He also denied it was his idea for Ms Credlin to go public with her story.

"I think that the last thing that I would ever do with a strong and capable woman is to try to influence the very personal decisions that she makes," he said.

Mr Abbott said he was a "pro-family" politician and had always been in favour of IVF.

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